Bridal Shower Etiquette

Let the celebrations begin! Your closest friend is tying the knot and you are her maid of honor. The proposal photos have been posted, her Pinterest boards are quickly filling with ideas and she is hoping you will host the bridal shower. You are up for the challenge but have no clue where to begin.

Putting together a beautiful event that fits within your budget and schedule is possible with the right tools and careful planning. If you have questions about the etiquette of hosting a bridal shower, follow the tips below.

Ideal Host(s)

As the maid of honor, you are a natural choice to host the event. The Knot mentions it’s also appropriate for the bridal party, in-laws or a family friend to throw the shower. The mother of the bride should refrain from hosting the shower when possible. It is not the best choice, but if there is no one else to do it, or no one can afford the cost, mom can step in discreetly and assist. It’s still not optimum, but some mothers are the most likely choice under certain circumstances.

Time Frame

With so much happening before the nuptials are exchanged, look for a date that works well and lands anywhere from three weeks to two months out from the wedding. There is always some wiggle room if you need to move the date outside of this window to accommodate the bride’s schedule.

Location, Location, Location

Choose a place that can accommodate the anticipated number of guests comfortably, whether that be your home or a meeting space at a local party room. If the bride is unconventional and not a fan of a formal gathering, explore other options. Martha Stewart Weddings includes 15 non-traditional shower ideas with everything from a pool party to a calligraphy class.

In the Mail

Invitations should hit mailboxes (or inboxes) six to eight weeks in advance. Consider involving other bridesmaids in the addressing and stamping, especially if the guest list is extensive. Making a tedious task more fun with bonding and bubbly is always a win-win.

Elevated Attire

It is safe to assume the question of what to wear is almost always on the minds of your guests. Venue and weather are strong indicators of the dress code. For example, a dress in a sunny color or bold print matches the mood of a garden party. Dresses are the hands-down favorite for most bridal showers. Anthropologie has a page dedicated to bridal shower dresses if you are need of inspiration.

Choose a Theme

Social media is brimming with photos of elaborately themed parties but don’t let them overwhelm you. Keep in mind that the beautiful pictures are probably professionally styled or sponsored posts, and not attainable for most people. Your celebration will be just as special with your personal attention to details.

Gift Etiquette

Although gifts were traditionally opened at the bridal shower, expectations have shifted. Ultimately, the goal is to keep the bride-to-be happy and the guests entertained. This can take many forms and range from opening the gifts one at a time to thanking guests for their gifts and letting them know the bride is saving them to open later.

Splendid Extras

Creating a lovely take-home favor for those in attendance allows you to acknowledge your guests for their time. So you aren’t up all night with a hot glue gun and a basket of mints, reach out for a few extra sets of hands in advance.

You may also like 8 Things Brides Forget When Planning Their Wedding. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow Diane on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.